There are few positions in professional sports that carry more weight than quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. From Terry Bradshaw to Ben Roethlisberger, stability under center has long defined the franchise’s identity. So when uncertainty creeps in — when the future suddenly feels foggy — the questions become louder, the speculation sharper, and the stakes dramatically higher. That’s exactly where Pittsburgh finds itself now. With Aaron Rodgers standing as both a possibility and a question mark, and with ESPN analyst Field Yates predicting Alabama’s award-winning quarterback Ty Simpson as the Steelers’ next move, the future may not be as distant as it seems.
The Steelers’ quarterback situation entering the 2026 offseason can best be described as complicated. Rodgers, if he returns, provides immediate credibility and veteran leadership. If he retires or decides to finish his career elsewhere, Pittsburgh’s plans shift dramatically overnight. And even if Rodgers does return for one more season, it would almost certainly be just that — one more season.
Pittsburgh has lived through quarterback transitions before, but rarely have they felt this layered. Mason Rudolph has proven he can manage games, but few around the league view him as a long-term franchise answer. Will Howard, selected in the sixth round, is still developing. While new head coach Mike McCarthy has spoken positively about Howard’s growth, building the future of a historic franchise around a late-round developmental quarterback would be a gamble few organizations are willing to take.
That’s why Yates’ projection of Ty Simpson at No. 21 overall carries significant weight.
The Alabama quarterback isn’t just another name attached to draft speculation. Simpson is coming off a statistically impressive and decorated 2025 season. He completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns, throwing just five interceptions across the campaign. Those numbers earned him Second-Team All-SEC honors and placed him firmly in the conversation as one of the top signal-callers in a relatively thin quarterback class.
Yet the evaluation doesn’t end with the numbers.
Yates described Simpson’s strengths clearly: pristine accuracy, pocket improvisation, and enough arm strength to stretch defenses vertically. In a league increasingly defined by quarterbacks who can extend plays without sacrificing precision, those traits matter. Simpson has shown the ability to make layered throws between defenders, to reset his feet under pressure, and to deliver the ball on time.
But as with any draft prospect, the full story includes the concerns.
Simpson’s decision-making reportedly declined late in the season. Over Alabama’s final six games, he threw four interceptions and saw his completion percentage dip to 62.6%. That stretch raised legitimate questions about consistency under mounting pressure. Was it fatigue? Defensive adjustments? Or simply the natural growing pains of a quarterback still refining his game?
For Pittsburgh, those questions may not be deterrents — they may actually be part of the appeal.
If Rodgers returns for 2026, Simpson wouldn’t need to start immediately. He could sit, observe, and learn from one of the most cerebral quarterbacks in NFL history. Rodgers’ football IQ, pre-snap mastery, and understanding of defensive disguises are legendary. Few developmental environments would be more valuable for a young quarterback with high upside but areas to polish.
And if Rodgers does not return? The Steelers would at least have a clear direction — a young quarterback with first-round pedigree ready to begin his development timeline.
The broader context makes this projection even more interesting. The 2026 quarterback class is widely viewed as underwhelming compared to previous years. While Fernando Mendoza is currently projected as the top signal-caller, there is no consensus franchise-altering prospect. That uncertainty could create volatility in draft positioning, pushing teams like Pittsburgh to act decisively if they believe Simpson fits their long-term vision.
For the Steelers, the No. 21 pick places them in an intriguing middle ground. They are not high enough to secure a universally elite prospect without trading up. But they are positioned well enough to capitalize if one of the top quarterbacks slides. Simpson working his way into late-first-round consideration is not far-fetched, especially if he performs well at the combine and during pre-draft interviews.
The combine will be particularly important. Scouts will closely examine Simpson’s mechanics, footwork, release speed, and velocity in controlled throwing sessions. Interviews will test his football intelligence and ability to process complex defensive looks. Teams want reassurance that late-season inconsistencies were circumstantial rather than structural flaws.
Pittsburgh’s organizational philosophy also factors into this conversation.
The Steelers historically value stability, leadership, and high-character prospects. Simpson’s background at Alabama — a program accustomed to championship pressure — may align with that culture. Playing in the SEC means facing elite defenses weekly. It means learning to operate under national scrutiny. That experience cannot be overstated.
Head coach Mike McCarthy’s presence adds another layer. McCarthy has extensive experience developing quarterbacks, most notably Aaron Rodgers during his early years in Green Bay. That developmental blueprint — drafting a talented but imperfect quarterback and refining him over time — is one McCarthy knows intimately.
It’s also worth considering Pittsburgh’s roster construction. The Steelers have invested significantly in their defense and offensive weapons in recent years. They are not rebuilding from scratch. This is a roster capable of competing with competent quarterback play. Drafting Simpson while retaining Rodgers would signal a dual timeline strategy: compete now, prepare for tomorrow.
Such a strategy mirrors what successful franchises have done in the past. Kansas City drafted Patrick Mahomes while Alex Smith was still productive. Green Bay selected Jordan Love while Rodgers was entrenched. Even if those transitions were controversial, they ensured continuity rather than chaos.
The alternative — waiting too long to identify the future — can leave franchises scrambling.
Steelers fans understand how quickly quarterback stability can vanish. Roethlisberger’s final seasons were marked by physical decline and offensive stagnation. The transition afterward lacked clarity. Pittsburgh has remained competitive but hasn’t fully re-established a long-term answer under center.
Simpson represents possibility. Not certainty — but possibility.
His arm talent is legitimate. His ability to throw accurately on the move fits modern offensive schemes. He has shown flashes of anticipation, delivering passes before receivers fully break open. Those traits cannot be taught easily. Decision-making, however, can improve with experience and coaching.
Critics will argue that drafting a quarterback in a weak class is risky. They will suggest waiting for a stronger prospect pool. But the NFL rarely rewards passivity. If the Steelers believe Simpson can develop into a top-tier starter, the strength of the class becomes secondary.
Financial implications also play a role. Rookie quarterback contracts provide roster flexibility. If Rodgers returns on a short-term deal while Simpson develops on a controlled contract, Pittsburgh could allocate resources elsewhere — reinforcing the offensive line, extending defensive stars, or adding playmakers.
The long-term vision matters.
If Simpson sits in 2026 and takes over in 2027, the Steelers would transition seamlessly. If Rodgers does not return, Simpson may face early growing pains, but he would gain invaluable experience. Either path provides direction.
The key question is confidence. Do the Steelers’ front office and coaching staff believe Simpson’s ceiling justifies the investment?
Yates’ projection suggests the possibility is real. Mock drafts are not guarantees, but they often reflect league conversations and tendencies. The fact that Simpson’s name is tied to Pittsburgh indicates that evaluators see alignment between player traits and organizational need.
Ultimately, quarterback decisions define eras.
The Steelers stand at a crossroads. Aaron Rodgers’ choice will shape the immediate future, but the draft could determine the next decade. Ty Simpson may not be a unanimous top-five selection. He may not carry generational hype. But sometimes, franchises find their answer not in consensus brilliance but in strategic conviction.
Is the future closer than anyone thinks? It might be.
If Pittsburgh selects Simpson at No. 21, it won’t simply be about drafting a quarterback. It will signal a philosophical shift — an acknowledgment that the next chapter must begin before the current one fully ends.
And in the NFL, timing is everything.
For now, all eyes turn to the combine, to Rodgers’ decision, and to draft night in April. The Steelers’ quarterback story is still being written. But if predictions hold true, Ty Simpson could soon be holding the pen.
